Academic Levels - Updated 2017/18

Registration for academic modules has to be made in person. During the enrolment session you will be assessed by a tutor, and assigned to a class most suitable to your ability.

Here is an approximate guide to the academic programme entry levels: (using UK education system exams)

Academic Level

LLL Level

Entry Criteria

Guide to Previous Knowledge

Working towards (Common European Framework definitions)

Level 1

Beginners

Beginners

Excludes anyone with GCSE.

Zero

Basic user

(breakthrough)

A1

Post

Beginners

Previously studied Beginners

Studied the language some years ago or attended a beginners course. Limited vocabulary and some understanding of basic structures. Can cope with predictable situations but lack confidence in other contexts.

Reasonable foundation in the language. Can deal with most common ‘survival’ situations confidently. Want to start moving beyond practicing simple exchanges such as holiday or work abroad.

Basic user

(waystage)

A2

Beginners Accelerated

N/A

Beginners. For those who want intensive learning, and have prior language experience.

Due to the 'accelerated' aspect of the module, evidence of prior linguistic achievement (e.g. a GCSE A* grade in another language) is essential.

Basic user

(waystage)

A2

Intermediate Accelerated

N/A

3-5 years of prior study in the language, or successful completion of level 2/beginners accelerated.

(The module is designed to enable students who have demonstrated higher linguistic skills to complete two levels, in one year instead of two).

Understand a good proportion of the language when native speakers talk to you about a range of common topics. Talks/writes with reasonable accuracy hesitant in more demanding situation.

Independent user

(vantage)

B1+/B2

Level 3

Intermediate

3-5 years of prior study in chosen language or successful completion of level 2/beginners accelerated.

Students with a good grade (minimum A) in GCSE or equivalent can enter if they are motivated and/or wish to progress to B2 in CEFR over two years (by studying levels 3 and 4 in the following year) for study or work purposes.

Good foundation at school. Understand a good proportion of the language when native speakers talk to you about a range of common topics. Talks/writes with reasonable accuracy.

Language learnt in post compulsory schooling. While being able to express yourself reasonably well and quite accurately, some of the language spoken at native speaker speed still escapes you and you feel the need for more intensive practice, both in speaking and in writing.

Good vocabulary and a fair understanding of fundamental grammatical rules and how to apply them. Reasonably confident speaking in most common, social or work settings and developing fluency in your reading and writing. You want to use the language more flexibly and use appropriate register to suit the context. You also want to understand some of the more complex grammar forms.

Independent user

(vantage)

B2/B2+

Level 6

Advanced 2

Previous level 5 or LLL advanced 1 or 1 year post A-level study (UK).

You can communicate and interact with ease in most common social or work situations, and you can grasp most of the language spoken at native speaker speed. You are confident understanding written documents and developing fluency in your writing. You may have lived in the target language country and/or visit it regularly.

Proficient user

(operational proficiency)

B2+/C1

Level 7

Advanced Culture and Conversation (LfP)

Previous level 6 or LLL advanced 2, or 2 years post A-level and spent some time abroad.

You have an excellent mastery of the language. You can communicate and interact with ease in any social or work situations. You have lived in the target language country and/or visit it regularly.